Fri Nov 21 15:48:31 UTC 2025: Ex-Reform UK Wales Leader Jailed for Over 10 Years for Pro-Russia Bribery

London, UK – Nathan Gill, the former leader of the Reform UK party in Wales, has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison for accepting bribes from a pro-Russian Ukrainian politician in exchange for making favorable statements in the European Parliament. The sentencing took place at London’s Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) on Friday.

Gill, 52, a former Member of the European Parliament (MEP), pleaded guilty in September to eight counts of accepting bribes from Oleg Voloshyn between December 2018 and July 2019. Voloshyn, who has since been sanctioned by the United States and indicted for treason in Ukraine, allegedly paid Gill thousands of euros to promote pro-Russian narratives and appear on television at his direction.

Judge Bobbie Cheema-Grubb condemned Gill’s actions, stating he “abused a position of significant authority and trust,” and that his conduct “fundamentally compromised the integrity of a supranational legislative body.” She highlighted Gill’s acceptance of payments from foreign nationals and the use of scripted material presented as his own.

Gill’s political career saw him elected as an MEP with the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and later representing the Brexit Party, both formerly led by Nigel Farage, the current leader of Reform UK. He was apprehended at Manchester Airport in September 2021 while attempting to travel to Russia, leading to charges in February of this year following a thorough investigation. Police discovered coded messages on Gill’s phone detailing the illicit financial dealings and referencing other MEPs.

While Nigel Farage has stated he was unaware of Gill’s actions, the case presents a potential challenge for the Reform UK leader, who has faced criticism for his perceived leniency towards Russia. The Reform UK party released a statement denouncing Gill’s actions as “reprehensible, treasonous and unforgivable,” and welcoming the court’s decision. Gill is no longer a member of Reform.

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